They were linked to star running back Jeremiyah Love for the draft with Chiefs and Giants going empty-handed, but the fact is the Commanders focus will be the defense. In fact, that’s where money has been spent, and according to Quinn, that’s the plan all along.

The Commanders have made eight defensive signings already. As Quinn said, “The best teams that I’ve been a part of had waves of players that could apply pressure. We’ll need to be able to do that and we will.”

Offense is flashy, but defense is key

“Whether you’re affecting a bad throw, or you’re hitting the quarterback to try to get the ball off them,” Dan Quinn said, “if we can do that consistently, then we’ll have a chance to really play like we like.” And yes, having four first rounders in the front seven will help a lot in doing so.

The Commanders also spent a $100 million in bringing in Odafe Oweh for the next four years. Also, bringing all these names gives Quinn a plethora of new ideas. He can shift from a 3-4 base to a 4-3 package. It’s a versatile unit now.

The Commanders are in a weird spot

This team made a fatal mistake. As usual, when an NFL team overachieves in one season, it tends to think its closer to success than it actually is. Hence, when the Commanders went all the way to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, they fooled themselves.

They spent without a care in the world in a win-now attempt. Needless to say, it backfired. Now, they have new coordinators, plenty of new players, and an aging core. Hence, restructuring the defense is the first step to get back on track.

“We would never shut the door on him,” Commanders head coach Quinn said Saturday, via John Keim of ESPN. However, the staff is comfortable with their alternatives: “We do feel like there’s some players that are about to take off at [his] position.”

Wagner not only achieved a Super Bowl championship with the Seattle Seahawks, but has also earned First-Team All-Pro honors six times and Second-Team All-Pro honors five times. A stellar career that could see him once again chasing a title alongside Jayden Daniels with this team.

Wagner’s impact on the Commanders

In 2025, Bobby Wagner remained a defensive powerhouse for the Commanders, recording 79 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions without forcing a single fumble. If Washington fails to bring the future Hall of Famer back for the 2026 season, it would lose more than just elite production; it would miss his veteran leadership and quarterback of the defense mentality, which are crucial for Dan Quinn‘s rebuilding process.

Wagner’s situation in this free agency

A re-signing of Bobby Wagner for the 2026 season would involve a significant shift in both pay and playtime compared to 2025. While he earned nearly $9 million last year, his current market value is projected at $7.7 million for a one-year deal.

Furthermore, Washington no longer views him as a 1,000-snap starter, as his potential return would likely focus on a situational rotation role and providing mentorship for the team’s younger linebackers.

What alternatives does Quinn have for Wagner’s position?

Ahead of next season, the Washington Commanders are transitioning to a more aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme. The linebacker unit is currently anchored by Leo Chenal and Frankie Luvu, who provide the versatility needed for this new system.

Additionally, the potential selection of Sonny Styles in the upcoming draft could give the Burgundy & Gold the elite hybrid playmaker they need to solidify the second level of their defense.

Washington eyes the upcoming Draft

Like the vast majority of the 32 NFL franchises, the Washington Commanders are keeping an eye on the upcoming draft. Here are the six picks that Dan Quinn will need to use wisely:

• Round 1, pick 7
• Round 3, pick 71
• Round 5, pick 147
• Round 6, pick 187
• Round 6, pick 209
• Round 7, pick 223

Next weekend’s visit to MetLife Stadium to face the Giants will take place without Daniels on the field, as the head coach himself confirmed to the media. Although there was no structural or bone damage in his elbow, the Commanders’ medical staff recommended holding him out in the short term and reassessing his situation next week.

Now, the question many are asking is whether the QB will actually return to action this season or if, on the contrary, his snaps for the remaining games are already over. Quinn chose to be cautious on the matter.

“As far as what decisions are ahead, we haven’t gone down that road,” the head coach Quinn said, via JP Finlay of NBC 4 Washington. “He’s working really hard to get back with the guys.”

What injury is Daniels dealing with?

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels suffered a dislocated left elbow late in the fourth quarter of the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks on November 2, 2025. The injury occurred when Daniels was sacked and landed awkwardly, attempting to brace his fall with his non-throwing arm, which caused the elbow to bend in an unnatural way. Initial reports later confirmed the dislocation, although X-rays came back negative for fractures.

Mariota set to start again in Washington

Marcus Mariota has put together a mixed season with the Commanders, showcasing some flashes of potential alongside struggles with turnovers. So far, he has recorded 1,389 passing yards and thrown 9 touchdowns, but has also been intercepted 7 times. His overall performance is reflected by a 55.2 Quarterback Rating (QBR), indicating a campaign marked by inconsistency.

What’s next for the Commanders?

The Washington Commanders face a challenging upcoming schedule dominated by NFC East rivals. Their next stretch of games includes a road trip to face the Giants, followed by back-to-back home games against the Eagles and the Cowboys. They will conclude this divisional run with a final road contest against the Eagles.

What’s at the heart of it all? The dreaded injuries, with the Commanders being one of the teams hit hardest. The recent news of their star quarterback’s elbow injury casts serious doubt over the near future for a team that had higher hopes at the start of the season.

Deebo Samuel, one of the offensive players added to the team in the last offseason, didn’t hold back when addressing the recent struggles the team has faced in the past few weeks. Undoubtedly, with a healthy roster, the results might have been very different.

The former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver said that Jayden Daniel‘s injury “took all the air out of the ball”, per John Keim of ESPN. “It’s like, jeez, we can’t catch a break.”

What’s going on with Jayden Daniels?

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss extended time after suffering a dislocated left elbow in Sunday’s game. While the injury looked gruesome and initially feared to be season-ending, the team received positive news: tests confirmed Daniels avoided ligament damage and will not require surgery.

The young QB will be ruled out for at least the next few games, but the non-surgical nature of the injury provides a slim lifeline for the Commanders, keeping the door open for a potential return later this season.

Injury wave hits the Commanders

The Washington Commanders’ 2025 campaign has been defined by a relentless wave of injuries that has decimated both sides of the ball. Most critically, quarterback Jayden Daniels has struggled to stay on the field, missing time with knee and hamstring issues before suffering a dislocated elbow that has sidelined him indefinitely.

He is joined on the sideline by star wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad), whose consistent presence in the passing game has been sorely missed. Defensively, the team has also been hit hard, losing starting cornerback Marshon Lattimore for the season with a torn ACL, severely testing the depth of a unit already battling to keep opponents in check.

Dan Quinn faces a new headache heading into the upcoming game, as one of his top defensive players has been suspended. Frankie Luvu was handed a one-game suspension for repeated violations of the rule against low-hip tackles.

While the player is expected to appeal the suspension, if the appeal is denied he will not only miss the Week 10 matchup against the Lions but also forfeit a game check worth $508,333. His eventual return is anticipated during the international game against the Dolphins in Madrid.

“Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu has been suspended without pay for one game for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players, including during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks,” reported the NFL.

Not the first time

The NFL has issued a one-game suspension to Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu for repeated violations of the league’s ban on the hip-drop tackle.

This disciplinary action, which sidelines Luvu for the crucial Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions, makes him the first player suspended under the new rule. Luvu had previously been fined on two separate occasions this season (after Weeks 4 and 8) for the dangerous tackling maneuver, leading the league to escalate the punishment for his third offense.

Week 10 brings plenty of absences

The Washington Commanders’ upcoming Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions looks increasingly challenging due to a depleted roster under head coach Dan Quinn. Commanders suffered multiple injuries in blowout loss to Seahawks, and the fallout continues, headlined by quarterback Jayden Daniels suffering a dislocated elbow, sidelining him indefinitely.

Adding to the defensive concerns, linebacker Frankie Luvu is suspended for repeated hip-drop tackle violations, while cornerback Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) is officially out. The absence of key players on both sides of the ball presents a significant hurdle as the team tries to rebound.

Hearts stopped at Northwestern Stadium as Daniels’ elbow bent unnaturally after making contact with the turf, leaving everyone in the stands stunned. While medical evaluations are still pending, the images of the injury were nothing short of alarming.

“QB Jayden Daniels, who left Sunday’s loss with his left arm immobilized, suffered a dislocated elbow and will have an MRI to determine how long he’s out, sources say,” the insider Ian Rapoport revealed via X.

Despite the situation, the reporter noted that the injury could have been far worse than it ultimately turned out to be. “The belief is it’s not as bad as it could’ve been. But Daniels will miss several games.”

Major loss for the defense

Daniels’ absence wasn’t the only setback for Dan Quinn’s team, as the defense has now been dealt a major blow. While medical evaluations are still pending, it’s believed that cornerback Marshon Lattimore may have torn his ACL, potentially ending his season.

“CB Marshon Lattimore, who left Sunday’s loss early, is feared to have torn his ACL, per me and @MikeGarafolo. He’ll have an MRI, but another significant injury from a rough Sunday night,” the insider Rapoport reported via @RapSheet.

Another nightmare in Washington

With Daniels and Lattimore already sidelined, the Commanders’ coach knows he will likely be without one of his wide receivers as well, potentially for the remainder of the season.

Luke McCaffrey, one of the team’s primary passing options at quarterback, broke his collarbone on one of the opening snaps against the Seahawks, and his participation this NFL season could now be seriously in jeopardy moving forward.

Rapoport stated: “Bad to worse: #Commanders WR and returner Luke McCaffrey broke his collarbone last night, per The Insiders, and is headed to Injured Reserve. Another blow on a bad night in Washington. It was the first play of the game, and now likely misses the season.”

Unfortunately for Dan Quinn, this key game will have to be played without his biggest star, as Jayden Daniels has once again been ruled out due to the hamstring injury he suffered back in Week 7 against the Cowboys. That means Marcus Mariota will get the start under center for the Commanders.

Week 8 of this NFL season shapes up as a pivotal one for Washington, as the Eagles have slowly started to pull away from their NFC East rivals. Any further slip-up could seriously jeopardize the Commanders’ hopes of staying in the hunt for a potential wild card spot.

The other piece of bad news for Quinn’s team is that standing across from them will be none other than Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs — perennial title contenders in recent years and home to one of the most explosive offenses in the league.

What injury is keeping Jayden Daniels out?

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been officially ruled out for the highly anticipated Monday Night Football matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a hamstring injury.

Daniels, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, suffered a low-grade strain in the third quarter of Washington’s Week 7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys this past Sunday. The injury occurred after Daniels was sacked and fumbled, immediately grabbing the back of his right leg as he limped off the field.

Although the injury is not considered long-term, the Commanders are taking a cautious approach, paving the way for veteran backup Marcus Mariota to make his third start of the season.

How much do the Commanders lose without Daniels?

Without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders’ offense takes a significant statistical hit. Daniels, who has a 97.7 passer rating this season, eight touchdowns, and averages 206.2 passing yards per game, is replaced by Marcus Mariota, whose rating dips to 85.8 with just three passing touchdowns and two interceptions on fewer attempts.

Furthermore, the team is 2-3 in Daniels’ starts compared to a 1-1 mark in Mariota’s two relief starts, highlighting the drop in play-making ability and overall offensive stability the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year brings to the field.

The Washington Commanders had an awful Week 7. They lost to bitter rivals Dallas Cowboys and saw how star quarterback Jayden Daniels left the game injured. However, head coach Dan Quinn provided an update as the team prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.

Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Quinn said Daniels’ hamstring injury is “not significant or long-term.” Still, he didn’t commit to give his QB a status for the “Monday Night Football” showdown.

Daniels suffered the injury in an open play where he got sacked and landed awkwardly. At first, it was the knee who made everyone in the Commanders shake in fear, but it ultimately was the hamstring that kept Daniels out of the game.

Daniels hasn’t looked as crisp this year

The sophomore slump is a real thing. Daniels had a historic rookie season but now he hasn’t looked the same. He went from 69% completion to 61% for instance. He has been clinical in the red zone with eight touchdowns and just one interception, but the offense looks somewhat stagnant at times.

He also has missed time already. Backup Marcus Mariota has played twice this season, and could have a primetime spot against the Chiefs if Daniels can’t recover on time. He is still a box office QB, but the NFL catches up fast and Daniels is noticing it.

The Commanders haven’t fixed their defense

The Commanders shouldn’t be 3-4, the expectations were much higher. However, their defense hasn’t improved and that’s an issue they’ve had since last year. They’ve allowed 24 or more points in all but two games this season. Hence, they force the offense to be on shootouts week in and week out.

This falls on Quinn. He got his job due to a great work he did in Dallas as the defensive coordinator. He was a key part of the ‘Legion of Boom’ unit in the early 2010s in Seattle too. However, it’s his second year now and the Commanders have nowhere near a good defense. There is little to no improvement.

Veteran Dorance Armstrong, a key piece of the Commanders’ defense, suffered a serious knee injury and will be unable to join his teammates for the remainder of the season.

The news was confirmed by the head coach himself and reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. There, the serious blow was revealed for a team once considered a title contender.

“Commanders DE Dorance Armstrong suffered a season-ending knee injury, per Dan Quinn,” the reported shared via @AdamSchefter. It may be time to reshuffle the deck for one of the most influential defensive ends in Washington’s system.

Armstrong’s impact on the Commanders’ defense

The Washington Commanders defense will face a significant challenge after defensive end Dorance Armstrong was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Armstrong, who had quickly become a key component of Joe Whitt Jr.’s new defensive scheme, was off to a hot start in 2025, already logging 5.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits in just six games.

His departure creates a massive void in the edge rotation and puts immediate pressure on depth players like Preston Smith and Jacob Martin to fill the void left by one of the team’s most effective pass rushers.

Uncertainty surrounding Jayden Daniels

The Washington Commanders are bracing for a difficult stretch as the availability of quarterback Jayden Daniels remains a question mark for next week’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

While coach Dan Quinn confirmed that the MRI on Daniels’ right hamstring indicated a “not significant or long-term” injury, the dual-threat QB’s status for Monday Night Football will not be known until later in the week.

If the hamstring forces Daniels—who already missed two games earlier this season with a knee injury—to sit, veteran backup Marcus Mariota is expected to step in, having taken over late in the loss to the Cowboys and previously started in the two games Daniels was sidelined.

What’s next for the Commanders?

The season is far from over for the Commanders, which means from this point forward, they’ll need to stack as many wins as possible to stay in the hunt in the NFC East:

• @ Kansas City Chiefs, October 27
• vs Seattle Seahawks, November 2
• vs Detroit Lions, November 9
• @ Miami Dolphins, November 16
• Bye Week

A knee injury has kept the former LSU standout sidelined for his team last two games — a win over the Raiders and a loss to the Falcons. Head coach Dan Quinn remains hopeful that Daniels will be available at SoFi Stadium, though nothing has been announced yet.

On Wednesday, the quarterback saw limited action during practice and, after a brief exchange with the media, shared how he felt physically — expressing his intention to be on the field from the very first snap against the Chargers.

“I felt good out there and, yeah, that’s the plan,” Daniels said. Marcus Mariota took over the first-team reps, and it still remains unclear who will get the start in Week 5.

Back on track in the NFC East

With the Philadelphia Eagles showing no signs of slowing their dominant pace atop the division, the Washington Commanders are staring down a must-win scenario this Sunday.

A loss would not only open up a potentially irrecoverable gap in the standings, but it would effectively relegate Washington to chasing a Wild Card berth, prematurely derailing their stated mission to dethrone their divisional rivals and capture the coveted NFC East crown.

What’s next for the Commanders?

With the main goal of getting back to the win column as soon as possible, here are the upcoming games the Commanders will face in this NFL season:

• @ Los Angeles Chargers, October 5
• vs Chicago Bears, October 13
• @ Dallas Cowboys, October 19
• @ Kansas City Chiefs, October 27
• vs Seattle Seahawks, November 2

Unfortunately for Dan Quinn’s squad, their star player and top offensive weapon won’t be seeing the field this week once again. Daniels is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered back in Week 2, and he’s officially ruled out.

The news was confirmed on the Commanders’ official website, where the team also announced that Marcus Mariota will get the start for the second straight week.

“The Washington Commanders have ruled quarterback Jayden Daniels out for the second straight week, meaning backup Marcus Mariota will start against the Atlanta Falcons.”

“Daniels, who has been dealing with a knee injury since the Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, returned to practice in a limited capacity this week. He was seen working through individual drills on Wednesday and Thursday but was not on the field during the portion of Friday’s practice that was open to the media.”

What’s keeping Jayden Daniels off the field?

The Washington Commanders‘ offense will once again be without its dynamic signal-caller, Jayden Daniels, as the quarterback continues to deal with a nagging knee sprain. Daniels sustained the injury—a sprain to his left knee—during a pivotal moment in the Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

While he initially attempted to play through the pain, the team’s medical staff has opted for caution, holding the dual-threat QB out of the lineup until his mobility is fully restored, prioritizing his long-term health.

What’s next for the Commanders?

With their sights set on staying in the hunt for the NFC East title, here’s a look at the upcoming matchups the Commanders will face this NFL season:

• @ Atlanta Falcons, September 28
• @ Los Angeles Chargers, October 5
• vs Chicago Bears, October 13
• @ Dallas Cowboys, October 19
• @ Kansas City Chiefs, October 27